After giving Harrison's hand a good shake off, Roxanne looked over at Vincent sitting across the dinner table, all smiles.
He was waiting for her response.
She did her best to hide the whirlpool of emotions brewing inside her, kept a smile on her face, and agreed politely.
“Alright, Dad. Whenever you're ready, I'm game.”
Coming from a small rural town, lacking any sort of prestigious education or social status, she was just your average Jane. For her father to introduce her to the entire clan meant he truly considered her family.
More than just family, in fact.
He treated her like a cherished gem.
Even her own father had never shown her that much affection.
Roxanne felt a surge of warmth and happiness wash over her.
This was part of the reason why she didn't immediately file for divorce when Harrison shut down her company.
She didn't want the discord between them to affect Vincent.
Besides, she chose that marriage. No one had forced her to tie the knot with Harrison.
All of it was her choice.
The marriage hit a rough patch. Cracks began to show, and it was up to her to mend it.
Just then, a pair of hands reached out from under the table, grasping her hand, trying to hold on tight.
That time, Roxanne didn't shake off Harrison.
Harrison thought she had forgiven him. He joyfully held her hand and started digging into breakfast.
But Roxanne was lost in thought.
She couldn't let Vincent see it through.
Despite sitting close together, hands tightly clasped, she felt like they were worlds apart.
That feeling wasn't because he had suddenly become the city's richest man.
It was because he simply didn't understand her, didn't respect her, wanted to strip her of her freedom, and wanted her to become a housewife with no part to play in the social arena.
After breakfast, Harrison took Roxanne upstairs.
He picked out a beautiful dress from the closet for her.
Roxanne had never seen that dress in her closet before.
“When did you buy me a new dress?”
Harrison handed her the dress, saying, “Spring is here; you'll look stunning in this.”
The dress wasn't formal attire, but it looked like it was meant for a special occasion.
“Change into this. I want to take you somewhere.” Harrison nodded, signaling for her to get changed.
But she was in no mood, “Where are you taking me?”
“Surprise!” Harrison seemed quite excited.
But Roxanne wasn't interested in where they were going.
She didn't care whether she'd look good in the dress or not.
She was too preoccupied thinking about her company, which Harrison had shut down.
She was thinking about where to start if she were to start over.
But first, Harrison had to agree.
Otherwise, with his wealth and influence, any company she started could have been shut down instantly by him.
“Go get changed.” Harrison patiently waited for her.
“So, if I change into this dress and go wherever you're taking me, will that make you happy?”
Harrison frowned slightly, saying, “Anne, are you still upset?”
During breakfast, he held her hand, and she didn't fight it. She didn't resist, right?
So why was she still angry with him?
“I thought you weren't upset anymore.” Harrison reached out, lightly patting her head. “If you're feeling down, the place I'm taking you should help you relax and cheer you up. I don't like seeing you unhappy. Please go change, okay?”
Harrison looked at her tenderly.
Roxanne gave a bitter smile.
Ha!
He had shut down her company without her consent.
Soon, a florist came over, respectfully sharing the art of flower arranging with her.
A waiter came over, serving her exquisite snacks and attending to her every need.
The room was filled with the scent of flowers, but not a trace of a smile could be found on Roxanne's face.
She picked up a flower.
The florist began his introduction.
“Mrs. Rodriguez, the black rose in your hand was specially prepared for you by Harrison. Its symbolic meaning is 'unique love'. Mrs. Rodriguez, do you see how much Harrison loves you? You're his one and only.”
It was more like oppressive love.
Roxanne picked up the scissors, snipped, and the entire stem was gone.
“Mrs. Rodriguez, that's not how you're supposed to cut it.”
“Didn't my husband say I could cut it however I wanted?”
After cutting off the stem, she plucked off the petals one by one.
Harrison, who was watching from the side, was helpless.
It seemed like she was still angry.
However, he didn't say anything more. He turned around and left.
Ever since he reclaimed his title as the richest man in Seraphim Haven, he had been strutting around in a suit that Roxanne dropped over two hundred bucks on for him.
Whether it was some cheap rag or some swanky designer wear, he always pulled it off with such an aura.
When he stepped out, his bodyguards on both sides would look at him with the utmost respect.
"Mr. Harrison!"
Harrison gave a slight nod and ordered, "Stay here. Make sure Roxanne is safe."
Then he strolled out of the club's grand greenhouse.
Harrison paused by the window, taking a quick peek inside.
Roxanne was still plucking at the petals.
Anthony nudged him, "Mr. Harrison, she seems a bit down in the dumps."
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